Royalty calculator
Estimate what a single sale is likely to earn you — for ebook, paperback, or hardcover — then see it projected across a month and a year.
How to use this calculator
- Choose the format you're pricing — ebook, paperback, or hardcover.
- Pick the marketplace you're selling in. This sets currency and, for print formats, the print-cost assumptions.
- Enter your list price. For print formats, also enter page count and ink/interior type.
- Enter your estimated monthly sales to see the number projected out.
- Read the estimated royalty per sale, and check the minimum viable list price shown for print formats.
How the estimate works
For ebooks, this calculator models the widely used two-tier royalty structure: a higher rate inside a common mid-range list price band, and a lower rate outside it, with an optional delivery cost applied only inside the higher band.
For paperback and hardcover, the calculator estimates royalty as your list price multiplied by a modeled royalty rate, minus an estimated print cost that scales with page count, ink type, and marketplace. Hardcover adds a modeled case and board surcharge on top of the paperback-style print cost.
None of these figures are pulled live from a publishing platform. They're a documented estimate model meant for comparing pricing scenarios before you publish.
Royalty calculator FAQ
Are these royalty numbers exact?
No. They're modeled planning estimates. Your publishing platform sets the actual royalty rates and fees, and those can change — always confirm final numbers there.
Why does my paperback show no viable royalty?
If your list price is below the estimated print cost at your chosen page count and ink type, the modeled royalty per sale goes to zero or negative. Try raising list price or lowering page count, or check the minimum viable list price shown above the results.
What is the difference between revenue and royalty?
Revenue is the full list price a customer pays. Royalty is what you're paid after the platform's cut and, for print books, the cost of physically printing the copy. This calculator estimates royalty, not revenue.
Does file size really affect ebook royalty?
On many platforms, a delivery cost applies only inside the higher royalty band and scales with file size. Outside that band, delivery cost typically doesn't apply. This calculator models that pattern; leave file size at 0 if you'd rather ignore it.